In my career, I've tried on a lot of clothes in the name of journalistic research. Sometimes I uncover hidden gems, other times I leave the fitting room disappointed, but every time I set foot into a store, I have a better idea of what works and what definitely doesn't. A few years ago you would have found me gravitating to trending pieces and stand-out silhouettes, but several donations to charity shops later, I've come to appreciate that returning to tried and tested classics has never let me down.
Don't get me wrong, this is not about to be a story about the virtues of the simple black dress (although everyone should definitely own at least one), there is still plenty of room to enjoy print, colour and detailing; but over the past few seasons, I have noticed that that "buzzy" dress trends are making way for tasteful staples. Micro minis? Impractical. Bandage bodycon? Leave those to the Noughties. All of the women I know are looking for dresses that do the same thing—looking good and feeling good, with flattering cuts that can take an outfit from desk to dinner with just the change of a shoe. And I'm pleased to say, I've found an edit that does it all.
If I were to recommend one brand that ticks the boxes of style, substance and sustainability, it would be Rixo. Its vintage-inspired dresses are designed with real bodies in mind, so not only do they fit impeccably, but their retro approach to design makes them an anti-trend hero you can wear for years to come. After suggesting Rixo to not one, but four people who asked where to find the best summer dresses and wedding guest dresses this month, I decided to head into the store and try on some of the latest styles (and it helps that the Kings Road flagship is such a thing of beauty). From sweeping maxis to flirty minis, there is a Rixo dress (or many Rixo dresses) for everyone, and the new collaboration with Ciao Lucia is a dress lover's dream—take it from a maxi devotee.
If hand-painted prints and romantic detailing speak your language, this collab is about to be a mainstay in your wardrobe over the summer months. As soon as the first pictures were released, the Who What Wear UK office was excited by the prospect of the team-up of two dress titans, so what better way to see the Rixo X Ciao Lucia collection than by trying it on firsthand? So, whether you're shopping for weddings, holidays, parties, or just summer in the city, keep scrolling to see the dresses from the collab that made the cut, and to shop more of the Rixo styles I'm loving right now.
1. The Anise Mini Dress
Style Notes: Starting off strong (as I mean to go on), the first thing that has me hooked about the Anise mini is the length. As someone who cannot bear the thought of teeny, tiny hemlines, mini dresses don't tend to be my go-to, yet here is a cute little dress that actually comes in a length long enough to avoid flashing commuters. The cap sleeve, underbust seam and flared skirt do all of the work in giving this such a flattering fit, and like so many Rixo dresses, it's light and breezy so you don't have to worry about the dreaded cling. Honestly, this is pretty enough to wear with a flat sandal and basket bag, but I wanted to make the most of full Rixo styling and add a coin belt and glitzy bag. All in all, this whole look makes me want to head to the nearest alfresco party, and that can't be a bad thing.
2. The Neroni Cotton Midi Dress
Style Notes: If little black dresses are considered a wardrobe staple, we need to give the long white dress its equal dues. Come summer there is no better instant outfit than a white cotton maxi, and the Neroni ticks all the boxes. The princess waistline! The full skirt! The pockets! This Ciao Lucia signature is even better in the kind of crisp white that will go with just about everything already in your wardrobe, but I happen to love it with an unexpected pop of colour. Of all of the pieces in the collection, this has to be my favourite, but next time I'd size down, as the adjustable back means this is roomier than the structure suggests.
3. The Isla Midi Dress
Style Notes: Milkmaid dresses are having a moment right now, and the Isla feels like enough of a nod to the trend without being overly "frou-frou". This dress couldn't come at a better time, as we're still charmed by all things coquette, but if you aren't into pretty pastels and big ruffles, this is the grown-up way to do romantic, prairie dressing. It's a little bigger around the hips and waist for a forgiving, looser fit, so for those looking for a laidback style that you can throw on for everyday wear, start with this one.
4. The Jillian Silk Mini Dress
Style Notes: After 2022 was the year of pink and 2023 made the most of buttermilk yellow, it's about time soft blues got their turn in the spotlight. I can't help but feel happier just by looking at the powder-meets-cornflower-meets-periwinkle shade. This pure silk crepe dress feels as light as a slip, and it's so versatile that it would look just as good with trainers as it would with a pair of Mary Janes. Now that is a smart investment. Just to note though—as a professional at trying on clothes for review, I came prepared with seamless underwear, but this dress is so whisper-soft that you might want to be wary of lace or VPL.
5. The Marlice Silk Midi Dress
Style Notes: Wondering what to wear on summer evenings? I've got you. This black dress is anything but boring (the bow detail and lace-edging see to that). The length is a flattering midaxi and the silk crepe de chine has just the right amount of fluidity to be figure-skimming, but my favourite thing is how easy it is to style up. You won't need too many accessories to make this feel evening-ready—a statement shoe and pair of earrings, or in this case, a Rixo bag, are all this needs to feel super special.
6. The Flick Midi Dress
Style Notes: You'll find Rixo co-founder Orlagh McCloskey's hand-painted cherub and floral motifs across a few pieces in the collection, including here on a black background. A clever move away from the ditsy prints we expect to see in spring and summer, these romantic dreamscapes feel modern and fresh despite the retro silhouette. The dress does look longer on the site (I'm 5'6"), but I prefer it to fall at calf length for wearing with a heel and a slick of red lipstick for a dinner date.
7. The Bonita Cotton Mini Dress
Style Notes: And to end on a high, another mini that brings a touch of la dolce vita to a collection that deserves to be showcased in the Mediterranean sun. The Bonita mini is every bit its namesake, with corsetry detailing and sheer hints of skin that make this a flirty number that I felt surprisingly confident in. Don't worry though—the scoop back is still high enough to wear a bra underneath (clever, Rixo), and there's an adjustable waist tie to get the fit exactly right. Given the tie, it doesn't need a belt, but I couldn't help but go all in with the Rixo styling again and add the same Isolde belt for an extra dose of fun on an already playful dress. More is always more, right?
Watch My Rixo Try-On:
SHOP MORE RIXO STYLES:
Perfect to wear with blue denim.
I audibly gasped when I saw this dress.
This comes in a petite fit too.
I'm a sucker for an empire waist.
Such a universally flattering colour.
This has an air of chic French styling, non?
I've got three weddings this year, and this is high on my wish list.
Just add shorts and ballet flats.
This tiger print is fierce.
This will work hard in your summer wardrobe.
